Root canal treatment is generally preferred over a tooth extraction because it allows patients to keep their natural teeth and maintain their natural smiles. It is also a simple procedure that is almost always successful and results in only minor post-surgery pain.
In most cases, root canal therapy is a better way to treat an infected tooth than an extraction. However, there are exceptions, such as if the tooth has suffered extreme damage. Your dentist will carefully analyze your oral health before making a treatment recommendation.
extraction, a root canal is the better option when possible. Root canal treatment is safer than extraction, and it allows the patient to keep their natural tooth.
While root canals are pretty common, there are some drawbacks to having this procedure done. One of those drawbacks is that it might weaken the tooth. Dentists have to drill through the tooth in order to get to the pulp, and additional decay might have to be removed.
Your dentist may recommend a root canal when your tooth shows signs of infection or significant pulpal nerve damage. When a tooth is cracked or has a significant cavity, bacteria is able to enter the pulp, and if left untreated, can lead to serious infection, bone loss, or the loss of the tooth itself.
Dental treatment alternatives to a root canal include direct pulp capping, pulpotomy, pulpectomy, endodontic retreatment, endodontic surgery, tooth extraction, dental implants, bridges, or dentures.
Root canals save your teeth by getting rid of the infection and fortifying what's left of your natural tooth. The only dental alternative to a root canal procedure is having your tooth removed. Then, tooth replacement is necessary to prevent bone loss in the jaw.
Cracked or fragile teeth
The affected tooth may appear intact, but a close examination by the dentist may show that the tooth will fracture during extraction. The simple extraction procedure involves applying forces. Unfortunately, the same extraction forces may break the fragile tooth apart.
If you have a tooth or teeth that need to be extracted, but the way your teeth are positioned in your mouth, large sinuses, or limited jaw mobility make it impossible for a general dentist to successfully perform the extraction, you will need to see an oral surgeon like Dr. Scherer for treatment.
In the case of an upper front tooth the root is generally cone-shaped, so there is not too much resistance to removal. One source for this particular procedure's name is from the dental insurance code ascribed to it, “simple uncomplicated extraction.”
This includes the type of tooth, shape of the canal system, and current or past injury. While an endodontist can perform the procedure regardless of the circumstances of these aspects, general dentists will typically only do so when the conditions are less complex.
If the deepest layers of the pulp become infected, it may be too late to save the tooth. In addition, if a large portion of the tooth is lost and a crown cannot be placed on what's left, root canal treatment is no longer a viable solution.
However, if a tooth is severely damaged, your dentist may not be able to save it. In these cases, they will normally recommend that the tooth be removed. Dentists may recommend removal in the following circumstances: Dental injury resulting in a cracked or fractured tooth or root.
Root Canal Treatment Can Save the Tooth.
If you neglect treatment of a root canal problem long enough, you're at serious risk for losing the infected tooth.
The need for a crown is typically determined by the amount of remaining tooth structure after a root canal. Generally, if more than half of the tooth is gone, a crown is indicated to restore the tooth's structural integrity.
When possible, saving your natural teeth is the best option. While today's dental prosthetics are made to last, they simply don't have the same strength as natural teeth. Not only are natural teeth stronger, but they also offer better functionality than prosthetics or crowns.
If your tooth is cracked or broken due to trauma, especially below the gum line, there may not be any way to preserve the tooth. With infection and decay, the decision can be tricky. In some cases, a root canal to clean out and disinfect the interior of your tooth may be effective.
If you have a fever and swelling in your face and you can't reach your dentist, go to an emergency room. Also go to the emergency room if you have trouble breathing or swallowing. These symptoms may indicate that the infection has spread deeper into your jaw, throat or neck or even to other areas of your body.
As mentioned above, only about five percent of root canals fail, and sometimes it is not actually a “failure.” In cases, of teeth that have more than one root, it is possible that only one root was infected and filled.
Coronal Leakage – Unfortunately, sometimes bacteria seeps back into the tooth after receiving root canal therapy. The seal of the restoration (Dental crown) is key to preventing bacterial leakage. Visiting a dentist who is experienced and utilizes quality materials reduces chances of a root canal treatment failing.
You must undergo a root canal within a few weeks to fully eliminate the infection and save your tooth.
No Eating Before the Surgery
Let the dental provider know if you have a condition that doesn't allow you to fast, such as diabetes. It is also important to remember that you cannot smoke for 12 hours before the surgery and 24 hours after. In fact, this would be an ideal time to quit smoking for good.
Relax, meditate and don't think much – Practice meditation techniques or yoga in the morning before your appointment. Avoid strenuous physical activities prior to extraction. Block out all thoughts of what the dentist will do and the scary instruments which he may use.